The Twelfth Man 2016

2 leadership of Jason and Martyn, are helping young players to develop along correct lines. Let me add that while Test match calls have taken away some of our best players, we have twice won the County Championship. We watch with pride as our ‘stars’ are leading the way in Test matches and bringing further fame to our great County Club. I know there were many Wombwell members present at The Annual General Meeting at Headingley when I passed on the Presidency to my good friend, John Hampshire. I have known John for well over half-a-century, a true Yorkshireman who not only played for Yorkshire and England, but when his playing days were over, took on the ‘White Coat’ and was always shown the greatest respect, wherever he ‘stood’. I wish my friend John all the very best for what I am sure will prove to be another great season. Finally, may I pledge my continuing loyalty to The Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ and look forward to meeting and sitting with you in the Ardsley clubroom we all know so well. A Message From The President As President of the world-famous Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society, I am honoured to continue in this office and send a message of goodwill to all of our members spread not just around this country, but also around the world, for I know The Twelfth Man is read wherever the great game is played. I do know that there is a complete collection, beautifully bound, in the library at the M.C.G. in Melbourne. Members will not need reminding that for the past two years I have also had the great honour of being President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and no one will need reminding we not only won the County Championship in my first season, but retained it in record-breaking fashion last year. During those two very happy years, I have given the team my full support and encouragement, traveling the length and breadth of the country. Of course, I also made it my way to support the Yorkshire ‘Colts’, (as I always think of the Second team) and in between, watched the Academy team as often as possible. I have had every reason to be happy at the way the County, under the In the picture John and Dickie are shown with Jane Hildreth, a former Yorkshire County player who actively encourages the Yorkshire Diamonds Ladies cricket team. At the Annual General Meeting of Yorkshire County Cricket Club held at Headingley on Saturday, 26 March 2016 the 600 members gave retiring President ‘Dickie’ Bird a standing ovation in recognition of his great support for the team in winning two Championships. ‘Dickie’ then handed on the ‘chains of office’ to his good friend, the former Test and Yorkshire batsman, John Hampshire, another South Yorkshireman. Norman Hazell